Replacement headunit options that suit the E30 interior

[spdracrm3]

Where did you relocate your hazard and defrost button?

I actually didn't do the work, was already done when I bought it . The buttons are down near window switched in console.

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[StereoInstaller1]

http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/rsx-gs9?cpint=SG_CATEGORY_SEC-TOUT-IFA-CAT-CAR-MARINE-EN_GL-2015-07-RSX-GS9-THEULTIMATE-8SPAN

[Kershaw]

That looks beast. But for an e30? It needs more amber buttons...

[Das Delfin]

Right now I have this cheap color changing Pioneer DEH-X3500UI which is currently set to BMW orange



But if I were to replace the Pioneer, I'd want to grab this Alpine CDE-153BT. My only gripe is the lack of color options



Also not e30 related, but I'm looking at a Jensen VX7020 for another car b/c touch screen and GPS. I'm wary of buying a GPS unit because it may be hard to update compared to iphone GPS. But I have a ton of room in the other car and want to go double din touch screen and GPS goes naturally with that setup

[rcsoundn1]

http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-c...ULTIMATE-8SPAN

Nice, but cost about what my car did. Though thats the kind of cash I used to spend on car audio. And in a vert, egh, not the best application for true high end

[Andy.B]

I'm looking for a head unit to replace my aging 90's Alpine CD receiver. I currently have a 90's alpine cd receiver, aux in, being fed by a bluetooth adapter. It's connected to a 5 channel amp, lukebox, component fronts, and 2-way rears. The sound has been awesome, but the receiver is starting to flake out.

Must haves:
adjustable color
4 channel rca out
integrated bluetooth
aux in
style that suites the e30

Nice to have:
5/6 channel rca out
hd radio
cd player

Mechless/non cd player/media receivers are ok.

I'm hoping to find something under $100. Clearance/open box/oldstock/etc are all fine.
I have a Planet Audio 5.1 amp that I bought at stereoinstaller1's recommendation, and it has served me well for 3+ years. I'm not afraid of off brand, as long as it's known to perform well.

I've been looking around, digging through clearance sections of websites, and keep finding units that have everything BUT adjustable color. For some reason that alone adds $50 to the price.

[Andy.B]

After digging around for a while, I think I've landed on the Kenwood KDCBT362U

It's got 3 pairs of pre outs, adjustable color, built in BT, and aux/usb in. The only things it's missing over the higher priced units in their lineup is HD and 4 volt preouts (as opposed to 2.5volt). Unless someone suggests something better, I'll probably pull the trigger on this today.

[Codym42]

I'm looking for a head unit to replace my aging 90's Alpine CD receiver. I currently have a 90's alpine cd receiver, aux in, being fed by a bluetooth adapter. It's connected to a 5 channel amp, lukebox, component fronts, and 2-way rears. The sound has been awesome, but the receiver is starting to flake out.

Must haves:
adjustable color
4 channel rca out
integrated bluetooth
aux in
style that suites the e30

Nice to have:
5/6 channel rca out
hd radio
cd player

Mechless/non cd player/media receivers are ok.

I'm hoping to find something under $100. Clearance/open box/oldstock/etc are all fine.
I have a Planet Audio 5.1 amp that I bought at stereoinstaller1's recommendation, and it has served me well for 3+ years. I'm not afraid of off brand, as long as it's known to perform well.

I've been looking around, digging through clearance sections of websites, and keep finding units that have everything BUT adjustable color. For some reason that alone adds $50 to the price.

http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KD-AR959BS-Arsenal-In-Dash-Receiver/dp/B00IA9IMSA

I have this JVC headunit in my e30. Its pretty good and can be found for right around $100 on ebay, maybe less if refurbished. It has adjustable colors on the buttons and screen, 4.8 volt 6 channel preamps, BT, USB, and Aux. Its not perfect but suites me fine, especially at $100.

[Panici]

I usually don't listen to music, as I'm still listening intently for any noises the car makes until I get it all sorted. But I did want something for extended highway driving. This replaces the 2000s era sony headunit that was installed by the previous owner. There was no aux or USB in on the headunit (plus it looked unsightly), so I pulled it out.

Here's my temporary setup.
Aux in and power switch for the very small Class-D amplifier board I have tucked behind the faceplate.

It's not great right now, but should be much better when I twin the amplifier so it isn't one small board pushing all four speakers.

The plan is also to install two more gauges. Originally I was going to put all three gauges where the headunit normally goes, but the far left one would be blocked by my steering wheel in my normal driving position.

So right now the plan is for two gauges where the radio delete panel is, and in the left spot, provisions for music. Third (less important) gauge will go in the ashtray.

Ideally, I'd like to have a small LCD display with the option of an FM tuner as well as the AUX in. Also volume, fade, and balance controls would be nice.
I haven't worked out how I plan to do this yet, still lots of other things to take care of on the car before I invest significant time in the audio department.

I may also hide the 3.5mm jack somewhere so there isn't a cord coming out of the dash. (To be honest though I do like the contrast of the red cord on the black interior)

[Andy.B]

I ended up going with a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X399:

Bluetooth 3.0 and apt-X support
3 pairs of 4v pre-outs
Adjustable display color
$94.99 from amazon prime.

I've never owned a Kenwood head unit before. Usually Pioneer and Alpine. I've seen plenty of reviews ranking the recent Excelon line from Kenwood above Pioneer's equivalent Premier offerings.
We'll see how it compares.

I'll post some pics once it arrives and I get it installed.

[Andy.B]

The high of 2 degrees didn't keep me from installing the new head unit today.
Fortunately, the fact that I use the RCA preouts instead of the integrated amp means I only have 4 wires to splice in, which made it a 10 minute job.

I haven't spent any time adjusting the amp or eq settings, I just mounted it and fired it up, and can say the audio quality of streaming via bluetooth is noticeably improved. Overall the deck has a much warmer sound than the Alpine it replaced. I'm sure that as I dial in the settings, it will only get better.

I spent about 30 seconds scrolling through the illumination colors before landing on 'orange 2', and it's a spot on match to the dash illumination. It's a little shiny for my taste, so I'll probably give the trim surround the same treatment my last head unit got, which is a coating of SEM trim black to make it a little duller, and help it blend a little more. The chrome border of the volume knob and chrome accents on the faceplate actually look right at home, due to the instrument cluster trim rings.

All said, for $96, I couldn't be happier, and I'd highly recommend the deck to anyone locking for a capable head unit.

[Das Delfin]

If you're gonna do that you should just get a glovebox-mounted bluetooth setup where you keep your phone in your car for music/phone calls and any idea of radio is kept out of sight. That way you have all your controls and all your gauges and everything is super clean.

[Ether-D]

Looks clean bruh. You remember back in the day when all decks were $200+? And the only sweet option was a tape deck...

[alas]

If you're gonna do that you should just get a glovebox-mounted bluetooth setup where you keep your phone in your car for music/phone calls and any idea of radio is kept out of sight. That way you have all your controls and all your gauges and everything is super clean.

Agreed and great idea!

What unit would you suggest? And how do you control volume? By phone? Or install a knob somewhere?


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[Das Delfin]

Agreed and great idea!

What unit would you suggest? And how do you control volume? By phone? Or install a knob somewhere?


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Hmm there should be an option to change volume control from your stereo to your phone within the deck's menu. I would shop around and get the best one that you can afford. Look for one that specifies both bluetooth phone and audio.